An A6M3 type 22 'Zero'

[kiwichappers]

I've decided the time has come for something fresh that should be a straight forward build. The box, severely crushed by Amazon's 'careful' packaging and handling lowered the tone of my stash. Therefore if I build the kit the offending box can be recycled, restoring order to the stash.

[councilman]

Great looking fighter the Zero.  Looking forward to this one.

[cph64]

Being a Hasegawa kit it shouldn't give you as many problems as the car. Relax and enjoy.

[Bigkev]

Hi Kiwichappers,
I always thought the A6M3 was a clipped wing version.
Did the type 22 model retain the rounded wingtips of the A6M2??
I have the Tamiya A6M3 'Hamp' in 1/48 with clipped wings, I will watch your build of the Hasegawa kit, a glean some sage advice from a great modeller.
Cheers,
Bigkev

[Bigkev]

Hi Kiwichappers,
Just to let you know that I have done a little bit of research and found that the model 22 did have rounded wingtips and the clipped wing appeared on the model 32.
See your build and my lack of knowledge encouraged me to do some more research. I am a bit more informed as a result.
Look forward to the build.
Bigkev

[kiwichappers]

Now then Big Kev,

The A6M 'Zero' due to its long service closely parallels that of the Spitfire and Bf109.

All three started out as low wing monoplanes with two blade props, engines of around 700 to 800hp and were progressively upgraded with engines of nearly double the originals power, props, armament and wings. Mark numbers for all three also suffered a degree of chronological disorder.

The A6M3 model 0 type 32, a development of the A6M2b model 0 type 21 with a more powerful Sakae 21engine, reduced wingspan with clipped tips,  and upgraded Type 99 canons. These modifications while increasing speed reduced alerion response and more importantly significantly reduced the range, critical for the long distances involved in the Pacific.

The A6M3 model 0 type 22 was the response to deficiencies of the type 32 and developed from it. Wingspan was increased with rounded folding tips, although some late production type 22s were fitted type 52 shorter span rounded tip wings, just to confuse us. Fuel tanks and drop tank attachment points were incorporated in the new wings.

Having sorted out the vagaries of the various types I found out yesterday that the particular aircraft I'm building was a composite restored to flyable condition by Japanese technicians at Rabul. Initially damaged during an Allied bombing raid on the airfield it was 'abandoned' in the perimeter jungle. In late 1944 getting desperate for serviceable aircraft the Japanese used a number salvaged parts to repair it. So I have a type 22 with a Sakae 12 engine, an A6M2b spinner and type 32 wheels.

[cph64]

Real life cross kitting, magic!!

[chriswil42]

The model is going to be quite a mix then?

[Bigkev]

Hi Francis,
Thanks for the comprehensive explanation.
Brilliant to hear that you have actually found out the vagaries of this particular aircraft.
Bigkev

[Red Lancer]

Fantastic aircraft!
No doubt will be a fantastic model!

[kiwichappers]

I've added a little detail to the cockpit since it will be posed open on the final model.

[MSea]

Detail is excellent Francis.

[chriswil42]

That's a fair bit of detail. Is it 1/48th scale or larger?

[councilman]

Cockpit look excellent. 
Another bit of trivia... I think the Zero had its gun buttons on the throttle lever.

[MSea]

Is that so you could shoot faster Andy ?? hohohoho